McGary Gallery open for business

McGary's final piece on display through Sunday

Dave McGary Expressions in Bronze Gallery is open and features McGary's internationally acclaimed bronze sculptures. McGary's life-size sculptures have been moved to the Ruidoso gallery. (Courtesy)

Dave McGary Expressions in Bronze Gallery has been quiet since McGary's passing in October and to many it appeared the gallery would not reopen. McGary, a legend among contemporary artists of the American West, was considered the master of realism depicting Native American Indians through his world renowned bronze sculptures, His many awards during the past decade more than verify his popularity among collectors and fellow artists. Though his passing sent ripples of sadness throughout the art world and the community, the good news is that McGary's work and his legacy live on and so will the gallery in Ruidoso, said art consultant for the gallery, Becky Walston.

Dave McGary Expressions in Bronze Gallery is open for business and will be part of this weekend's Lincoln County Gallery Association's 5th annual Art Expo. McGary's life-size sculptures have been relocated to the Ruidoso gallery and his final piece, pictured above with gallery art consultant Becky Walston, titled "Trophy Hunters" will be on display at the gallery located at 2002 Sudderth Drive through Sunday. The Art Expo runs Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and features 12 local galleries on the tour. (Kelly Brooks — Ruidoso News)

"Dave's wife, Molly McGary, is totally committed to Ruidoso and wants to really get involved in the art community," Walston said. "She is very excited about it. Without Dave it's a little different. We're trying to stay low for the first year with Dave gone and regroup."

But Molly McGary's commitment to a more involved and increased presence in the Ruidoso community already has begun. The gallery, which has only been open intermittently over the past year is now open for business every Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This weekend, the Expressions in Bronze Gallery will be open through Sunday, as well, to participate in the Lincoln County Gallery Association's annual Art Expo.

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McGary's finishing studio, which has continued operation, will be open for viewing throughout the weekend event. The three craftsmen who continue the finishing work on McGary's limited edition sculptures have worked with Dave for more than 20 years, Walston said.

"His pieces are all limited editions. The finishing studio will continue on with any of his editions that are not sold out."

Additionally, visitors this weekend will see McGary's final piece he produced titled, "Trophy Hunters." The piece will be on display throughout the weekend before being moved to another studio.

"Trophy Hunters" depicts American Indians and the First Nations people of Canada. In this series McGary turned for a second time to the Woodland Tribes of the American Northeast and Southern Quebec, tribes whose rich histories include the critical roles they played in those regions during the mid-18th century. Only one other of McGary's pieces "Emergence of the Chief" has portrayed the tribes of this region, who differ greatly — from their customs to their manner of dress — from American's Southwestern tribes and those of the Upper Plains, the Upper Midwest and the Mountain regions.

McGary's life-size sculptures have also been moved to the Ruidoso gallery and other pieces have been added from McGary's Scottsdale, Ariz., and Sun Valley, Idaho, galleries that are new to this location.

For now, the gallery hours will remain constant through Labor Day to, once again, allow locals and visitors alike the opportunity to view and purchase McGary's collection of award winning work.

In a 2011 article in Southwest Art Magazine, McGary was asked, "How would you like to be remembered?"

"For having documented, with respect, the culture of Native American people. For being innovative and establishing my own techniques and style of work. I hope I have changed the way people look at bronze sculpture. For showing that there really are no limits in what is possible in bronze, that we can capture an amazing amount of detail and depth of color for another level of realism."

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